Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Kickstarter

inXile and Techland Publishing are teaming up to publish console versions of Torment: Tides of Numenera for PS4 and Xbox One. The Kickstarter-backed sci-fi-themed role-playing game was originally scheduled to launch for PC early next year, but the new partnership will find all versions releasing at the same time. Both console versions will be at this year’s Gamescom, and a new announcement trailer offers a first look. No word on if backers will be able to switch their reward to one of the console versions.

Nightdive Studios has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a full reboot of the classic role-playing and shooter hybrid System Shock. The 1994 original is being updated from the ground up for Windows PC and Xbox One, with original development members giving a hand, including concept artist Robb Waters. Linux and Mac versions are currently stretch goals. Physical copies are available for $75 and up, with digital rewards dominating lesser reward tiers. On the other end of the spectrum, gamers with deep pockets can get a multiple copies, digital goodies, and custom System Shock-themed Razor gaming laptop for $5,000. To help alleviate any fears about investing in the campaign, Night Dive has released a fully playable demo that can be downloaded from the campaign page.

comcept has sent along the long-awaited word that Mighty No. 9 has gone gold. The side-scrolling action-platformer will hit digital outlets and store shelves on June 21. Note that the portable versions for 3DS and PS Vita will be along at a later, unspecified date. For the occasion, creator Keiji Inafune has written a message to everyone that’s been chomping at the bit to get their hands on the game, which can be found below.

After recently releasing a video teaser last week, John Romero has officially announced Night Work Games‘ next project: Blackroom. He’s once again teaming up with id Software alumnus Adrian Carmack for “a visceral, varied and violent shooter that harkens back to classic FPS.” As with Doom, there will be an emphasis on speed, dodging fire by circle-strafing and sidestepping, and exploring to find shortcuts and items. Quake’s influence will also be felt, particularly with rocket-jumping. The single-player campaign is estimated to last over 10 hours, with environments ranging from a Victorian mansion to an old west ghost town, and multiplayer support for versus (one-on-one, free-for-all) and co-op over six maps. There will also be Challenge Modes, including some for speedrunners, and support for player-made maps, mods, and dedicated servers. A Kickstarter campaign has gone live to fund the project, with a goal of $700,000.

Square Enix Collective has published its first officially approved crowdfunded title Goetia on Steam and the Square Enix Store. The PC point-and-click adventure, developed by Sushee, is set in the 1940s at Blackwood Manor in the English countryside. Players take on the role of Abigail Blackwood, or to be more precise, her ghost, as they seek to uncover her mysterious past and what’s happened in the years since her death.

Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan, a Kickstarter-funded 2D action-RPG from Kiro’o Games, will be released on April 14. Plug In Digital has teamed up with the studio to launch the game on Steam. Aurion will take players through a 20-hour adventure inspired by the culture, myths, and lore of Africa—a fitting approach, given that Kiro’o is Central Africa’s first game studio–with combat said to be partially inspired by the Tales series. As the young prince Enzo, players find themselves exiled on the eve of both their coronation and wedding. Now Enzo, along with his new wife Erine, must fight to defeat the usurpers and take back the throne.

Airship Syndicate’s Kickstarter-funded role-playing game Battle Chasers: Nightwar is being given a boost from Nordic Games. Based after the comic series Battle Chasers, the game adaptation ended its successful crowdfunding campaign last December. Since then, Airship has been working on the title using the raised funds, but today, they have announced they they are teaming up with Nordic to expand the game’s budget and feature set. Nordic’s assistance will see all stretch goals being reached, which will add more cut scenes, animation, and quests as well as voice acting.

inXile’s crowdfunded role-playing game Torment: Tides of Numenera, the spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment, is now available on Steam Early Access. Designed in the style of the Infinity Engine games of old, using an isometric view and a similar interface, the game will feature a combination of 2D and 3D graphics and an emphasis on narrative. The setting is based on Monte Cook’s Ninth World from the Numenera pen-and-paper game.

b2g Studio has launched a KickStarter campaign to release a new visual novel for Android and iOS, Unlight Lost Plot. b2g will be working with Unlight’s developer Techway to enlist the current fan base of the Facebook card-battle game to create a novel based on some of the characters. The current goal is $20,000, with rewards including a download of the game, dog tags, and a soundtrack CD. Additional characters will be added if stretch goals are reached.

Following last spring’s successful Kickstarter campaign, OtherSide Entertainment has released the first look at their sequel to Ultima Underworld, Underworld Ascendant. The studio, founded by Looking Glass co-founder Paul Neurath, has released screenshots and a trailer from the prototype. The footage follows an unarmed rogue facing off against a Shadow Beast guardian after stealing an artifact. The final version is planned to include three factions (Dark Elves, Dwarves, and “mushroom people”), the Improvisation Engine for greater freedom in solving puzzles, three intertwining classes (fighter, mage, and thief), and extended lore penned by Tracy Hickman.